Shopping activity at both Galaxy Macau and Sands China’s retail malls is showing a marked rebound as Chinese consumer confidence improves. Foot traffic and spending have risen steadily through late 2024 and 2025, supported by a recovery in mainland discretionary consumption and stronger willingness among travellers to splurge on luxury goods. Independent reports from Macau Daily Times and Macao News similarly note that retail operators across Cotai are experiencing higher conversion rates, especially among visitors from Guangdong and major Tier-1 cities.
Far East Consortium (FEC) has agreed to a partial divestment of its flagship Ritz-Carlton Perth asset, selling a 49% share to Hong Kong–based AMTD Group for AU$66 million. The transaction values the luxury waterfront hotel—located in Perth’s Elizabeth Quay precinct—at roughly AU$135 million. Independent reporting from The Australian Financial Review (AFR) and The West Australian confirms the deal structure and notes that FEC will retain majority ownership and ongoing management influence, ensuring continuity in the property’s long-term development strategy.
Bally’s Corporation is taking steps to fortify its balance sheet as its New York downstate casino project progresses to the next stage, according to industry analysts at CBRE. The company has been working to refinance existing debt, improve liquidity, and streamline capital allocation—moves that financial commentators from Bloomberg and MarketWatch say are essential as Bally’s positions itself for one of the most competitive and capital-intensive casino licenses in the United States. With New York regulators expected to advance the selection process in 2025–2026, the company’s stronger financial posture is seen as a strategic necessity.
Myanmar authorities have demolished 333 illegal buildings inside the notorious KK Park complex near Myawaddy. KK Park has long been identified as one of Southeast Asia’s hubs for scam compounds, online gambling syndicates, and human-trafficking operations linked to cross-border criminal networks. The large-scale demolition marks one of the most visible enforcement actions undertaken by the Myanmar junta since announcing renewed efforts in late 2024 to curb criminal activity in the border region.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) is preparing to revise the financial capacity requirement for Vietnamese citizens wishing to enter pilot casinos. The current rule—requiring locals to show proof of monthly income above VND 10 million (~US$400)—has long been criticized as difficult to verify and a barrier to participation. The verification process is often inconsistent across provinces, prompting operators and policymakers to call for a clearer, more scalable framework as Vietnam expands its locals gaming pilot.
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 09/12/2025
